AP aims to become digital technology hub

AP has about Rs 500 crore worth annual IT exports now.Though big IT firms are yet to open shop in the state, AP is using many of their newly launched products which come under the category of Internet of Things (IoT).Sribala Vadlapatla | TNN | September 27, 2016, 09:04 IST

HYDERABAD: With IT exports not taking off in Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation and no big software company making foray in to the residuary state, the Chandrababu Naidu government is now chanting the new mantra of ushering in 'Industrial 4.0 revolution' by becoming a hub for digitised technology products.

AP has about Rs 500 crore worth annual IT exports now. Though big IT firms are yet to open shop in the state, AP is using many of their newly launched products which come under the category of Internet of Things (IoT). Some of them include the Kaizala application launched by Microsoft. This product is meant for monitoring the movements of the people who download this application on their phone. Few departments are using this application for monitoring the moment of the employees when they are on the field.

The fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, stands for state-of-the-art smart technology and real-time data to increase productivity and reduce costs. The aim of this revolution is to ensure that the manufacturing industry gets a boost and that government-to-government and business-to-business transactions increase manifold.

Apart from Microsoft's app, another being used currently by the state government is 'Assets' designed by company BSS, which is being used in road network. Digital door numbers is another such product being used in the smart pulse survey where the GPS can track the house address using numbered digital codes. Similar products from companies like Oracle are also being used. "These kinds of products will change the scenario where manufacturing is the major source of industry. IT companies look for awareness and readiness of the government to experiment for them to partner," IT secretary PS Pradyumna told TOI.

The central command centre set up in Vijayawada to undertake virtual inspection of works is also an example of this type of intervention. "Wooing big companies should not be the only hope. We should also be able to attract small companies who can provide smart technologies," sources said.

Separately, RCom initiated contempt proceedings in the apex court against the Department of Telecommunications, blaming it for delaying a spectrum sale that would have enabled dues to be paid to Ericsson and lenders.